The end of 2016 continued its growth trend in the Northeast Florida housing market since 2009, when the total permits issued was 3,256. With 7,906 permits issued in 2016, the local industry demonstrated a steady increase last year. Totals for 2014 and 2015 were 6,076 and 6,725, respectively. Builder and consumer confidence are on the rise and forecasts of sustainable growth bode well, while keeping in mind factors that may affect growth this year, such as the recent increase in interest rates and the ongoing shortage of skilled construction labor.